Barefoot Contessa Italian Wedding Soup

If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, Barefoot Contessa's Italian Wedding Soup is a must-try. I recently made this dish, and it was an absolute hit with my family.

This homemade version combines tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and delicate pasta in a savory broth, making it the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing. Let me walk you through the recipe, my personal experience, and all the essential details you need to make it yourself.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey

• ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or searing)

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)

• 1 cup dry white wine (optional)

• ¾ cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo)

• 5 ounces fresh spinach or escarole, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven

• Slotted spoon

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Chef’s knife and cutting board

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Italian Wedding Soup?

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and milk.

3. Mix until well combined, then roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

4. Place them on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, you can pan-sear them in a tablespoon of olive oil for extra flavor.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.

5. Season with oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients

1. Add the dry pasta to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes for acini di pepe).

2. Gently add the baked (or seared) meatballs to the soup and let simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the chopped spinach or escarole and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.

4. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

2. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Leftover?

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: The soup (without pasta) can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the soup before serving.

• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat until heated through. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to adjust consistency.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the chicken or turkey, but it will have a richer, more traditional flavor.

What other greens can I use besides spinach?

Escarole, kale, or Swiss chard work well as substitutes for spinach in this soup.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! The flavors develop beautifully overnight. Just store the soup and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Conclusion

Making Barefoot Contessa’s Italian Wedding Soup at home was a rewarding experience. The homemade meatballs are incredibly tender, the broth is rich and comforting, and the pasta adds just the right texture.

It’s a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a classic Italian favorite. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did!